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Violinist Allessandra West gives us the scoop on her involvement with the ESO and her musical background...

When did you join the Elmhurst Symphony?

I have played with ESO since September 2022 (this is my third season).

What instrument do you play and how did you get started playing it?

I am a violinist. When I was younger I was mesmerized by Itzhak Perlman and loved the sound that the violin projected. As an eight year old, I also appreciated the size of the instrument compared to a cello.

What piece is on your "Bucket List" and why?

My “bucket list” piece is Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2.

Biography

Ms. Allessandra West is currently the Orchestra Director at Downers Grove North High School. Prior to teaching at Downers Grove North, she taught at Metea Valley High School and Davenport Central High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Violin Performance from Augustana College in 2020, studying with Dr. Susan Stone. 

Allessandra was recognized as one of ILMEA’s Emerging Leaders of 2021, is a member of ILMEA and ASTA, and is a member of the Illinois ASTA Board. She was featured on the cover and in an article of the Illinois ASTA magazine, The Scroll in 2023. Allessandra is an active performer on violin and string bass, and has performed with multiple ensembles throughout the state of Illinois.